Holy Cross and TCU will play Nov. 28 at 4:30 p.m. EST, followed by Savannah State and Purdue at 7 p.m. EST. The consolation and championship games will be played Nov. 29 at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. respectively.

The WBCA Classic replaces the Coaches vs. Cancer Tournament that was managed by the Gazelle Group. When the tournament lost television exposure after three successful years, it was canceled leaving the WBCA to find a new management group. The WBCA invited BTI to co-produce these certified exempt tournaments and the two have contracted to continue the events at least through 2004.

"We went to BTI because they are the best at scheduling and have a stellar reputation for running turnkey events and tours for institutions," CEO Beth Bass said. "BTI is well respected and is in it for all the right reasons. BTI joins our organization in its commitment to creating opportunities for participants and coaches as well as trying to grow the sport. We could not be happier to be working with them."

The first game features Holy Cross and TCU. Holy Cross ended last season with a 23-8 record, finishing 12-2 in the Patriot League. Holy Cross coach Bill Gibbons returns for his 18th season and has been named Patriot League Coach of the year five times.

Texas Christian University finished the 2001-2002 season at 24-7, 12-2 in Conference USA. Head Coach Jeff Mittie was named C-USA Coach of the Year last season after leading his team to a No. 25 final season ranking by ESPN/USA Today.

The final first round match up is between Savannah State University and host Purdue. Last season Purdue won its second consecutive Big 10 regular season title, finishing the season with a 24-6 overall record, 13-3 in the conference and 14-1 at home.

Purdue coach Christy Curry begins her fourth season at Purdue, while opening round opponent Savannah State coach Robert Eskew begins his first season at the helm of the Lady Tigers.

Last season Savannah State finished 4-24 overall and will play as an independent this season, competing for the first time in NCAA Division I.

"We are working with the NCAA to activate exemptions with BTI and hope to have a partnership announcement to make at our 2003 WBCA National Convention in Atlanta," said Bass. "We are also working to get the WBCA Classic on television and currently have promising negotiations ongoing and hope to have network coverage for the event in 2003 and 2004."